04/25/24 07:22:00
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04/25 19:21 CDT NFL Draft: Bears banking on Caleb Williams after taking the
2022 Heisman winner with the No. 1 pick
NFL Draft: Bears banking on Caleb Williams after taking the 2022 Heisman winner
with the No. 1 pick
By ANDREW SELIGMAN
AP Sports Writer
LAKE FOREST, Ill. (AP) --- Caleb Williams, welcome to Chicago.
The expectations are clear, become the franchise quarterback the Bears have
craved for years and lift the founding NFL franchise to the top of the league.
Other than that, there's no pressure at all.
The Bears did exactly as expected by taking Williams with the No. 1 pick in the
NFL draft on Thursday night after general manager Ryan Poles made a
half-hearted attempt during the week to play things close to the vest by
telling everyone to "tune in" as he smiled.
The real mystery, of course, wasn't whether they would kick off the festivities
by taking the elusive, rifle-armed QB; it was what they would do with the No. 9
pick. They also have a third-rounder (75) and a fourth-rounder (122).
Chicago has just three playoff appearances since the 2006 team reached the
Super Bowl and failed to advance in the postseason twice in that span. The
Bears are 10-24 in two seasons under Poles and coach Matt Eberflus. But they
see themselves as a playoff contender after going from three wins in 2022 to
finishing 7-10 last season.
They've made some big moves this offseason, most notably acquiring six-time Pro
Bowl receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers to pair with DJ Moore.
Now, they hope, they have their franchise quarterback. If Williams delivers,
he'd be in rare territory in Chicago.
Jim McMahon helped the 1985 team shuffle to Chicago's lone Super Bowl
championship before injuries took their toll on The Punky QB. Jay Cutler set
the franchise's all-time passing record following a blockbuster trade from
Denver, though his tenure didn't quite meet the mile-high expectations, whether
it was because of his supporting cast, coaching or his own shortcomings. But
mostly, the quarterback spot has been a source of frustration in Chicago.
Williams said recently on The Pivot Podcast that he hopes to spend 20 years
with one team and chase Tom Brady's record seven Super Bowl wins. The Bears
would be happy if he develops in ways former starter Justin Fields and Mitchell
Trubisky never did after being taken with high draft picks.
Williams comes with the resume and tools.
He has the arm strength and ability to avoid defenders, to extend plays and
make throws on the run. He's also strong in the pocket, an area where Fields
struggled, and he'll be throwing to some experienced targets. Besides Allen and
Moore, Williams will also have two productive tight ends in Cole Kmet and
newcomer Gerald Everett.
Williams had 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions during three seasons at
Oklahoma and USC. He threw for 72 TDs and just 10 interceptions in two years
with the Trojans. He also showed the ability to run, scoring 27 rushing
touchdowns in college.
Williams followed coach Lincoln Riley from Norman to Los Angeles and won the
Heisman in 2022. He threw for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns and five interceptions
to lift USC from four wins in 2021 to 11 and an appearance in the Cotton Bowl.
Williams put up big numbers again last season while the Trojans struggled to an
8-5 record with one of the nation's worst defenses. He threw for 3,333 yards,
30 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games. He did not play in the
Holiday Bowl.
Williams is the third player drafted by the Bears with the No. 1 pick --- and
their first since 1947. George Halas gambled on Oklahoma A&M halfback Bob
Fenimore despite a knee injury that cut short his senior season. The former
All-American lasted just one year in the NFL.
Chicago's only other No. 1 pick was Michigan halfback Tom Harmon in 1941. The
1940 Heisman Trophy winner declined to sign with the Bears, saying he was
finished with football. Harmon served as a pilot in World War II and eventually
played two seasons for the Los Angeles Rams before moving on to a career in
broadcasting.
The Bears had the top pick again Thursday because of the blockbuster trade with
Carolina for Moore a year ago. The Bears sent the Panthers the No. 1 selection
in 2023 and got their first-rounder this year. Carolina finished with a
league-worst 2-15 mark.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
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